Prescription Drugs Used to Control Seizures in Dogs
Gabapentin
Gabapentin is not approved by the FDA for use in dogs but it commonly prescribed by veterinarians to control seizures in dogs. It is available world-wide and comes in tablet and capsule form.
How It Works: Not known; it is structurally similar to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter, but it does not bind to GABA receptors. It is possible that it may enhance GABA synthesis. Side Effects: Drowsiness, loss of balance, vomiting, diarrhea Dosage: 4.5 to 13.6 mg per pound of weight given every 8 to 12 hours Common Brand Names: Neurontin, Gabimax |
Studies About Use in Dogs:
- KuKanich, B., & Cohen, R. L. (2011). Pharmacokinetics of oral gabapentin in Greyhound dogs. Veterinary Journal (London, England : 1997), 187(1), 133–135. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.09.022
- Platt SR, Adams V, Garosi LS, et al (2003) Gabapentin as adjunctive therapy for refractory idiopathic epilepsy in dogs. Proc ECVN Annual Symposium [abstract]
- Radulovic LL, Turck D, von Hodenberg A, et al (1995) Disposition of gabapentin (neurontin) in mice, rats, dogs, and monkeys. Drug Metab Disposition 23, 441-448. - PubMed -
- Vollmer KO, von Hodenberg A, Kolle EU (1986) Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of gabapentin in rat, dog and man. Drug Res 36, 830-839. - PubMed -
Imepitoin
Imepitoin is available in tablet form in Europe and Australia and made by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health. It is not currently available in other parts of the world and there is not currently a generic form on the market.
How It Works: Imepitoin partially activates the receptors for the neurotransmitter GABA, a substance that reduces electrical activity in the brain. Neurotransmitters such as GABA are chemicals that allow nerve cells to communicate with each other. By activating its receptors, imepitoin increases GABA’s effects and helps to prevent seizures. Imepitoin also has a weak blocking effect on calcium channels. These are pores which let calcium move into the nerve cells allowing electrical impulses to be transmitted between nerve cells. This may also help in controlling seizures Common Side Effects: increased hunger, increased thirst and urination, hyperactivity, and gastrointestinal upset Dosage: 10-30 mg per kg of weight given every 12 hours Common Brand Names: Pexion |
Studies About Use in Dogs:
- Rundfeldt C, Gasparic A, Wlaź P. Imepitoin as novel treatment option for canine idiopathic epilepsy: pharmacokinetics, distribution, and metabolism in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 2014;37(5):421-434. doi:10.1111/jvp.12117.
- Neßler J, Rundfeldt C, Löscher W, Kostic D, Keefe T, Tipold A. Clinical evaluation of a combination therapy of imepitoin with phenobarbital in dogs with refractory idiopathic epilepsy. BMC Veterinary Research. 2016;13:33. doi:10.1186/s12917-017-0957-z.
- Rundfeldt C, Tipold A, Löscher W. Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of imepitoin in dogs with newly diagnosed epilepsy in a randomized controlled clinical study with long-term follow up. BMC Veterinary Research. 2015;11:228. doi:10.1186/s12917-015-0548-9.
Levetiracetam
How It Works: Unknown: It is believed that Keppra binds to a synaptic vesicle protein that is named SV2A and blocks neurotransmission. It is not metabolized through the kidneys.
Common Side Effects: Drowsiness and loss of appetite Dosage: Common Brand Names: Keppra, Roweepra |
Studies About Use in Dogs:
- Packer RM, Nye G, Porter SE, Volk HA. Assessment into the usage of levetiracetam in a canine epilepsy clinic. BMC Veterinary Research. 2015;11:25. doi:10.1186/s12917-015-0340-x.
Phenobarbital
How It Works:
Common Side Effects:
Dosage:
Common Brand Names:
Studies About Use in Dogs:
Common Side Effects:
Dosage:
Common Brand Names:
Studies About Use in Dogs:
Potassium Bromide
How It Works:
Common Side Effects:
Dosage:
Common Brand Names:
Studies About Use in Dogs:
Common Side Effects:
Dosage:
Common Brand Names:
Studies About Use in Dogs:
Topiramate
How It Works:
Common Side Effects:
Dosage:
Common Brand Names:
Studies About Use in Dogs:
Common Side Effects:
Dosage:
Common Brand Names:
Studies About Use in Dogs:
Primidone
Valium
How It Works:
Common Side Effects:
Dosage:
Common Brand Names:
Studies About Use in Dogs:
Common Side Effects:
Dosage:
Common Brand Names:
Studies About Use in Dogs:
Zonisamide
How It Works:
Common Side Effects:
Dosage:
Common Brand Names:
Studies About Use in Dogs:
Curtis W. Dewey, Rose Guiliano, Dawn M. Boothe, Jason M. Berg, Gregg D. Kortz, Richard J. Joseph, and Steven C. Budsberg (2004) Zonisamide Therapy for Refractory Idiopathic Epilepsy in Dogs. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association: July/August 2004, Vol. 40, No. 4, pp. 285-291.
https://doi.org/10.5326/0400285
Common Side Effects:
Dosage:
Common Brand Names:
Studies About Use in Dogs:
Curtis W. Dewey, Rose Guiliano, Dawn M. Boothe, Jason M. Berg, Gregg D. Kortz, Richard J. Joseph, and Steven C. Budsberg (2004) Zonisamide Therapy for Refractory Idiopathic Epilepsy in Dogs. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association: July/August 2004, Vol. 40, No. 4, pp. 285-291.
https://doi.org/10.5326/0400285